Benefits for injured workers to increase under new law

State Insurance Fund lowers rates by premium type without putting system’s solvency at risk

Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez and Gov. Jenniffer González Colón

By The Star Staff

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced on Monday a significant reduction in rates by type of premium for the State Insurance Fund (CFSE by its initials in Spanish) and signed a law that increases economic benefits for injured workers in their area of employment.

“This reduction seeks to ease the economic burden on employers, encourage job creation, and strengthen businesses on the island,” the governor said at a press conference held at the Industrial Hospital in Río Piedras.

CFSE Administrator Enid Ortiz Rodríguez said that of 191 rate classifications, 125 received some reduction, benefiting sectors such as services, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce. Ortiz Rodríguez noted that the adjustment was made following actuarial standards without jeopardizing the solvency of the system.

The signed measure, now Law 55-2025, doubles weekly compensation for injured workers to $200 and increases the minimum to $60. It will also allow for cost-of-living adjustments every three years. The benefits will apply for all new cases as of July 1.

The CFSE also implemented a mobile app this month for employers to make payments, check policies and access certifications. The second phase of the app, focusing on services for injured workers, will be launched in December.

Separately, the signing of Joint Resolution 23-2025 was announced to name the Burn Unit of the Industrial Hospital after Dr. Héctor Benítez Rivera, for his more than 40 years of experience caring for burn patients.

González Colón said her administration is investing nearly $7 million in improvements to the Industrial Hospital, including bed rehabilitation, intensive care improvements, and the removal of regulated materials.